New security features in Chrome

Chrome has introduced new security features aimed at protecting users from online scams. These features include warnings for suspicious websites, better threat detection, and defenses against ClickFix attacks. The updates apply to Chrome on both computers and mobile devices.

Warnings for suspicious websites

Chrome now warns users about websites that are deemed suspicious. This includes sites that resemble others known for phishing, malware, or scams. Users can click "Learn more" for details or choose to leave the site or mark it as safe if they believe it is legitimate.

How Chrome identifies suspicious sites

Google classifies websites as suspicious by comparing them to other deceptive sites. An AI analyzes the site's content, brand, purpose, domain reputation, and other factors to calculate a probability of scam score. This helps Chrome differentiate between suspicious and dangerous sites.

Differentiating warning alerts

Chrome uses different formats, icons, colors, and text for its warnings. Dangerous sites trigger a red screen and strongly advise leaving the page, while suspicious sites offer a more subtle alert, allowing users to proceed if they are confident the site is safe.

Enhanced scam detection with Gemini AI

Google has strengthened Chrome's scam detection by integrating the Gemini AI. This AI combats scams like fake technical support, fake antivirus software, and fake browser updates. A more advanced Gemini model on the server side analyzes page content and domain reputation to detect scams.

Protecting user privacy in scam detection

To ensure user privacy, Google minimizes the amount of data sent to its backend servers. Data is only transmitted when a site triggers high scam signals. Any content sent from a user’s device is not recorded, stored, or used to train the AI.

Defending against ClickFix attacks

ClickFix is a scam that tricks users into copying and executing malicious commands. Chrome now detects such prompts and erases personal data from the clipboard before it can be pasted. It then analyzes the data and shows a warning if the activity is deemed dangerous.

Enabling Enhanced Protection mode

To use Chrome’s new security features, users must enable "Enhanced Protection" mode. This is the highest security level in the "Safe Browsing" program. Users can find the option in Chrome's Settings under "Privacy and security," then "Security" on computers or "Safe Browsing" on mobile devices.

Activating Enhanced Protection for Google accounts

Users must also enable Enhanced Protection for their Google accounts. This can be done by logging into their Google account, selecting "Security and Login," and enabling the "Enhanced Safe Browsing" option. This ensures full protection from online threats.

Future improvements in Chrome's security

Google emphasized that as scammers evolve, Chrome and Safe Browsing will continue to develop smarter, real-time defenses. Users are encouraged to enable Enhanced Protection on both Chrome and their Google accounts to stay ahead of potential threats.